THE sun shone on Alcester on Friday when the town hosted its first farmers' market.

More than 15 producers set up their stalls around the town hall where business was brisk even before the official opening by Mayor Chris Gough.

Mr Gough said: "To put a market back into Alcester is a credible thing. It's a good day and I have been looking forward to it for a long time."

Urging shoppers to "spend, spend, spend", Mr Gough set a fine example himself as he mingled with other dignitaries and local residents.

The stalls sold a range of items including meat, vegetables, bread, plants and wine. Refreshments were available in the town hall in aid of the local branch of the British Heart Foundation.

Gary Whitcombe, director of Warwickshire Farmers' Markets, said: "We needed to be in Alcester as it is such a valued town.

"I was surprised it wasn't one of the first to take off. This is all about bringing country into the town and mending divides that have been improperly placed there by politics."

Gloria Abney-Hastings, chairman of the Alcester Farmers' Market committee, and Lise Evans, chairman of Advantage Alcester, both said they were pleased with the day's success.

Holding the monthly market on a Friday did present potential competition for the weekly Alcester Country Market but organisers there said they did not feel they had been badly hit.

The country market will be open again this Friday, between 8.30am-noon, for the sale of home baked goods, plants and crafts.

The next farmers' market is on Friday, May 27, between 9am-2pm.